Want to Lose Weight? Step on the Scale

A recent poll found that more than half of Americans want to lose weight. Whether it's for better health, more energy or improved self-confidence, millions of men and women are looking to shed those unwanted pounds. And while there's no substitution for dieting and exercise, weighing yourself every day may help individuals achieve this goal.

According to a new study, people who weigh themselves on a daily basis have an easier time losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight than their counterparts who do not weigh themselves. For the study, researchers recruited just under 300 college students and followed them for two years. Throughout the course of the study, researchers asked participants how often they weighed themselves.

So, what did they find? Researchers found that participants who weighed themselves at least once a day lost weight, whereas their counterparts gained weight. More specifically, participants who weighed themselves daily lost about 2% body fat.

"We did not expect that, in the absence of a weight loss intervention, folks would be losing weight,” explained study author Diane Rosenbaum, Ph.D.,

This begs the question: how does weighing yourself promote weight loss? Well, that question remains open to debate. However, some experts believe it's a form of self-motivation. By stepping on the scale once daily, you'll see exactly how much you weight. And assuming you've lost a pound or two, you'll see the results firsthand, you'll feel a newfound sense of motivation to continue your weight loss efforts.

With that said, the study's authors noted that they relied on self-reporting, meaning all data was given to the team by participants. Secondly, there's no way to tell for certain that regular weighing is what caused the weight loss.

Of course, there are other steps you can take to lose weight. Cutting down on processed foods while focusing your diet on lean meats, vegetables, fruits and whole grain, for instance, is a huge step in the right direction. Exercising on a regular basis also promotes weight loss. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.

Losing weight doesn't have to be a chore. As long as you stick with it and follow a proper dieting and fitness regimen, you'll achieve your desired goals. And assuming this study is correct, weighing yourself daily may also help you lose weight.

This study was published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine.